WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS   Western Conference Playoff Notes (May 29, 2001) Rasheed Wallace averaged only 16.7 ppg in 3 playoff gamesdespite logging 42.7 mpg. This scoringwas a continuation of his diminished output from the last couple months of the season where he also averaged only around 16.5 ppg. He had been averaging 20+ ppg over the first four months of the season. But as the Trail Blazers tried to finally apply some discipline to him his output correspondingly decreased. Seven Phoenix Sun players averaged over 20 mpg in their 4 playoff games against the Kings. The highest shooting percentage achieved among these players was Mario Elie who shot 45.2%. Cliff Robinson, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, Rodney Rogers, Tony Delk, and Tom Gugliotta all shot less than 43%. Jason Kidd shot 31.9 percent allthough he had 13 apg. Wally Szczerbiak averaged 14 ppg in 4 playoff games on his usual accurate shooting of 48.6% from the field. But in those four games he did not hit any three point shots and only attempted one. On the season hehit 34% from beyond the line which is a decent percentage but only took 77 attempts in 82 games. Fantasy owners in leagues with the trey should hope young Wally makes strides in the off season to improve this aspect of his game to enhance his overall value since he does not excel in any of the non-scoring categories at this time. Predrag Stojokovic shot 60 of 62 free throws for 96.8% in 8 playoff games. He shot 86% during the season. But he had only 3 ast, 5 st,and 3 bl in the playoffs which was lower than his typical output during the regular season. Bryon Russell averaged 42.8 mpg in five playoff games and Donyell Marshall averaged 32 mpg. During the regular season Russell averaged 32 mpg and Marshall averaged 29 mpg. Next season both players should average over 30 mpg as Malone should start to play fewer minutes. Last season Karl Malone averaged 35.7 mpg which is his lowest average since the 86-87 season. Antonio Daniels showed some offensive potential in 13playoff games averaging 13.5 ppg on 48% shooting. He also hit 17 treys at 37% which is respectable. But you would think someone playing point guard with on the same team Tim Duncan and David Robinson would average more than 2.9 apg. He also averaged only 0.5spg and 2.0 rpg despite playing 31 mpg. Nevertheless, Daniels appears to be the point guard of the future forthe Spurs. Avery Johnson played only 22mpg during the playoffs and Terry Porter, assuming he stays with the Spurs,should not provide much long term competition. Through the first three rounds for the Lakers, Derek Fisheris scoring 15 ppg and grabbing 5 rpg. In the 11 games, he has hit 25 three pointers at a rate of 51% and has averaged 38 mpg. Perhaps next season he will finally take control of the point guard position for the Lakers and have some decent fantasy value. Previous Page Next Article Copyright © Hoops Klyce 2001 - All Rights Reserved Website Designed by Lelnet Failed to execute script '../cgi-local/ax.cgi': Win32 Error Code = 2